Porsche Panamera V6: Driving report

Nice driving report here with the new Porsche Panamera V6.

The advantages of the new Panamera V-6 over the V-8-powered version are obvious. First, the price of the car comes down to a semi-affordable $74,400, putting it in the neighborhood of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E Class. Fuel economy improves from 16/24 city highway in the V-8 to 18/27 mpg. And, the car’s hefty curb weight is trimmed from 4123 to 3880 lb.

What you give up with the 3.6-liter V-6 is power and torque. The new engine is rated at 300 bhp at 6200 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 3750; a noticeable drop from the V-8’s 400 bhp and 369 lb.-ft. But let’s face it, there are many Panamera drivers who just don’t need that head-snapping force provided by the V-8. Driving the roads around Cologne, Germany, I found the V-6 Panamera to be a delight, providing more than enough oomph to satisfy the spirited driver. When revved to its 6700-rpm redline, the 90-degree V-6 sounds melodious.